Mr. Smith did not receive his medication on time, as ordered, because his nurse forgot about it and went on her lunch break. Consequently, Mr. Smith's condition deteriorated, and he was sent to the emergency room. What legal term describes this form of professional negligence?
Liability
Malfeasance
Malpractice
Dereliction of duty
The Correct Answer is C
In this situation, the nurse's failure to administer Mr. Smith's medication on time as ordered, resulting in harm to the patient, could be considered malpractice. Malpractice refers to a failure to meet the standard of care that results in harm to a patient.
Option A refers to legal responsibility for one's actions, but it does not specify the type of wrongdoing.
Option B refers to wrongdoing or misconduct, but it is not specific to the medical profession.
Option D refers to a failure to fulfill one's duties or obligations, but it does not necessarily imply harm to a patient.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should make the statement "I need to talk to you about unit expectations regarding timely completion of tasks" to resolve the conflict with the AP who has been taking long breaks and making personal phone calls. This statement is assertive and focuses on the issue at hand without blaming or attacking the AP. It also opens up a dialogue between the nurse and the AP to discuss the issue and find a resolution.
The other statements are not effective in resolving the conflict. Statements such as "Several staff members have commented that you don't do your fair share of the work" [a] and "You have been very inconsiderate of others by not completing your share of the work" [b] are accusatory and may make the AP defensive.
Threatening to inform the nurse manager [c] may also escalate the conflict and is not a constructive way to address the issue.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm. It requires healthcare providers to avoid causing harm to their patients and to take steps to prevent harm from occurring.
The other options are also important ethical principles in healthcare, but they do not specifically refer to doing no harm. Justice [a] refers to the fair distribution of benefits and burdens in society. Beneficence [c] refers to the obligation to do good and promote the well-being of others. Veracity [d] refers to the obligation, to tell the truth and not deceive others.
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